Dental Hygienist

Job Description

Title:

Dental Hygienist
FLSA Category:
Exempt

Reports To:

Chief Medical Officer
Date Issued:
December 2017, Revised November 2023, May 2026

Greater Baden Medical Services (GBMS) is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare across Southern Maryland. With 9 clinical sites across Prince George’s, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties, GBMS serves over 18,000 patients each year. We deliver integrated care that includes primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, Title X family planning, dental care, behavioral health, WIC, pharmacy services, and the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program.

Our patient population is primarily Medicaid and uninsured individuals. GBMS is proud to deliver these vital services to everyone in our community, regardless of ability to pay, making it an encouraging place to grow your career and impact lives.

This position provides dental hygiene and promotes dental health. Under the supervision of a general dentist, the Hygienist provides patient care in the clinical setting, performs cleanings, educates patients, manages clinical documentation, and ensures compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.

• Screen patients, including reviewing health history, inspecting head and neck, evaluating for oral cancer, taking blood pressure, and dental charting.
• Perform cleanings and address concerns related to teeth, gums, and oral structures.
• Collaborate with the dentist to refer patients with abnormalities such as cavities, defective fillings, or suspicious growths.
• Place sealants and apply fluoride.
• Take dental radiographs.
• Educate patients on oral hygiene strategies, nutrition, flossing, fluoride use, and other dental care aspects.
• Maintain case histories, health examination reports, and other dental records.
• Inspect and recommend sanitation measures and elimination of health hazards.
• Refer patients to oral specialists or other practitioners for specialized treatment.
• Conduct oral examinations for school admissions, job considerations, or insurance eligibility.
• Provide direct patient care as needed, in line with the organization’s Health Care Plan.
• Document clinical care promptly, including patient charts and encounter forms per clinic protocols.
• Comply with regulations regarding consultations and other services per patients’ insurance coverage.
• Adhere to Joint Commission standards for ambulatory care.

• Enter and manipulate data in the Electronic Health Record.
• Act as a resource to other team members, patients, and community members.
• Participate in the organization’s Performance Improvement activities to assure quality of patient care.
• Cooperate with compliance review activities.
• Submit required information for credentialing files promptly.
• Assist the Safety Officer with employee health activities, especially following exposure to blood borne pathogens.
• Participate in team/staff meetings and attend in‑service meetings and applicable workshops.
• Perform any other duties required to provide optimal patient care.

Quality, Respect, Professionalism, Teamwork, Equity, Integrity, Commitment

• Students, interns, fellows, and the like

None

• Associate’s degree (A.A.) from an accredited Dental Hygienist program and at least six months of experience as a Hygienist.
• Current licensure as a Dental Hygienist in the State of Maryland.
• Certification in Radiology through an accredited dental hygiene program.
• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (CPR).
• ACLS or Advanced Life Support certification within 12 months of employment, if appropriate.

None

This job operates in an outpatient office environment. The role is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, and may involve high‑stress situations or events.

• Ability to cope with stress.
• Occasional movement within the office.
• Prolonged use of a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Frequent communication with patients and employees.
• Capability to lift or retrieve patients weighing more than 50 pounds in emergency…